The prosecution said they were liable to be punished under sections 15(3)(4), and 16(2)(b) of the same Act.

When the charges, numbering five, were read to them, however, the defendants pleaded not guilty.

Justice Aikawa subsequently admitted both Belgore and Sulaiman to bail on self-recognisance.

The judge said he believed that as a senior lawyer in the country, Belgore would not abscond, and Sulaiman, being a former minister in the country, would also not jump bail.

Justice Aikawa, however, ordered both defendants to submit their passports to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court, stressing that the passports could only be released to them on the order of the court.